Delve into the mental health challenges faced by student-athletes, drawing insights from experts and real-life experiences.

Discover practical strategies to support young athletes in navigating their complex environments.

Explore the unique pressures student-athletes face, from academic stress to social media influences.

Learn about the ACT framework for recognizing and addressing mental health concerns.

Understand the impact of smartphones and social media on young athletes' mental well-being.

Discover the seven C's model for building resilience and promoting positive mental health.

Gain practical tips for fostering a purpose-based identity and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms.

Learn:

1. Spotting the Signs: Discover how to identify early behavioral changes in student-athletes that might indicate mental health struggles.

2. The ACT Framework: Learn about the ACT model—Acknowledge, Collect, Take steps—to effectively support someone in need.

3. Social Media's Impact: Understand the profound effects of social media on young athletes' mental health and how to mitigate them.

4. Building Resilience: Explore the seven C’s model for resilience, focusing on competence, confidence, connection, and more.

5. Practical Strategies: Get actionable tips like the circle of control exercise and the circle of appreciation to foster a supportive team environment.

Did you know that the fear of other people's opinions (FOP) is a real thing? Social media acts as a Petri dish for this fear, affecting self-worth and mental health. But don't worry, we've got strategies to combat it!

This episode provides valuable insights and practical tools to help you support the young athletes in your life. Remember, you don’t have to be a therapist to make a difference — just being there and knowing what to look for can be a game-changer.

While you're here, share the show with a friend or coach who might find it helpful.

Plus, we’d love to see your school or team mascot! Send us a photo and be part of our upcoming collection in "Mental Skills for Young Athletes."

Thanks for being part of our community. Your support means the world to us!

Link

Be certain to listen to or watch the prior episode, #25, as it is the first part of the special event.

Upload photos to:

https://UCANSwim.WeTransfer.com

This is part one of two and it covered the first three presentations. Also see jump cut #26.

• Understanding the importance of a student-athlete's "why" and its impact on motivation and connection.

• Recognizing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, and the importance of seeking help.

• Addressing the pressures of athletic identity and the risks of early sports specialization.

• Exploring the role of mindfulness in building resilience and reducing injury risk.

• Practical advice for parents, coaches, and athletes on fostering a supportive environment and proactive mental health strategies.

1. Navigating Mental Health: Key Strategies for Student-Athletes and Coaches

2. Building Resilience: Mental Health Insights for Student-Athletes

3. The Role of Mental Health in Student-Athlete Performance and Well-being

4. Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Student-Athletes: Expert Insights

5. Cultivating Well-Being: Mental Health Strategies for Student-Athletes

6. Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Support for Student-Athletes

7. From Anxiety to Resilience: Mental Health Tools for Student-Athletes

8. Mental Health and Student-Athletes: Recognizing Red Flags and Providing Support

9. Enhancing Student-Athlete Well-being: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, there's something valuable here for everyone!

Keys:

1. Understanding the "Why": Discover how understanding a student-athlete's motivation can be a game-changer, as shared by former student-athlete Jay Dar.

2. Mental Health Challenges: Learn about the critical mental health issues student-athletes face, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, with insights from Piper Carroll.

3. The Power of Words: Explore how language can either support or hinder athletes' mental health, emphasizing authenticity and vulnerability.

4. Injury and Identity: James Tu sheds light on the mental health impact of sports injuries and the concept of athlete identity.

5. Mindfulness and Resilience: Uncover the benefits of mindfulness in reducing injury risk and fostering resilience, with practical tips to get started.

Mindfulness was used, proudly, by Steelers and NFL star Troy Polamalu. He practiced meditation to enhance his focus and calm on the field.

This episode is a treasure trove of strategies and insights that can help navigate the pressures of being a student-athlete. We hope it sparks meaningful conversations and actions in your community.

Explore the course "Mental Skills for Young Athletes" at Read.swimisca.org. Plus, don't miss past episodes of "Heavy or Not."

Stay connected and share your thoughts with us. We’d love to hear how these insights resonate with you!

In "Heavy or Not #24," we explore the evolving landscape of swimming and sports leadership. From Olympic changes to community challenges.

- Discussion on the inclusion of 50-meter stroke events in the Olympic program and its implications.

- Insights from Dr. G on the importance of developing an aerobic base for young swimmers.

- Barry Healey's thoughts on sustainable pool management and community impact.

- A recap of the first 24 episodes of "Heavy or Not" and the journey so far.

- Upcoming focus on mental health for student-athletes and its significance beyond the pool.

Join us as we continue to navigate the waters of sports, technology, and community leadership.

Our 24th episode of Heavy or Not!

1. The Evolution of Olympic Swimming: Discover the exciting changes coming to the Olympic swim program, including the addition of the 50 fly, 50 back, and 50 breast events. What does this mean for future athletes?

2. Building an Aerobic Base: Dr. G shares his expertise on why developing an aerobic base in young swimmers is crucial for long-term success. Spoiler: It’s not just about speed!

3. Power and Innovation in Swimming: Barry Healey dives into the power dynamics of swimming and how innovation can transform the sport. Plus, a look at how the UK harnesses power from nature.

4. Community and Pool Sustainability: Explore the challenges and solutions for keeping community pools open and accessible. What happens when pools close, and how can we prevent it?

5. Mental Health Spotlight: Get a sneak peek into our upcoming episodes focusing on mental health for student-athletes. It’s a conversation that goes beyond the pool.

Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know that the UK generates power from tidal movements and sea waves? Barry Healey shares this fascinating tidbit while discussing the potential of harnessing power in unexpected ways for aquatic facilities. But, sadly, it doesn’t seem to be a priority. The trend is to close pools.

We’re just getting started, and we’re so grateful to have you along for the ride. Whether you’re listening for the first time or have been with us since episode one, your support means the world to us. We hope this episode inspires you to think, laugh, and maybe even rethink how you approach your work, team, and community.

Call to Action: Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us on social media or by replying to this email. We love hearing from you!

Thanks for being part of the aquatic community. Let’s keep moving forward together!

In this coaches clinic panel discussion, top coaches and experts uncover some issues from Paris Olympics.

Of course the Team USA had its challenges. Future opportunities facing the world of competitive swimming are uncovered. Discover their thoughts on improving performance and fostering a winning culture.

• The importance of relationships in achieving top athletic performance.

• Challenges faced by coaches in feeling valued and respected.

• The role of resources and support in international competition.

• Strategies for long-term planning and athlete development.

• The impact of sports science on future swimming success.

Explore these critical topics and more, shaping the future of swimming excellence.

1. Strategies for Enhancing Olympic Swimming Performance: Insights from Top Coaches and Experts

2. Elevating USA Swimming: Expert Panel Discusses Challenges and Opportunities for Future Success

3. Building Stronger Olympic Teams: The Role of Relationships and Resources in Swimming

4. Overcoming Challenges in Competitive Swimming: Expert Insights on Training and Development

5. The Path to Olympic Gold: Coaches Discuss Long-Term Planning and Athlete Development

6. Enhancing Swimming Performance: The Importance of Sports Science and Strategic Planning

7. From Training to Triumph: Expert Panel on Improving USA Swimming's Olympic Performance

8. The Future of Competitive Swimming: Insights from Coaches on Training, Resources, and Strategy

9. Achieving Excellence in Swimming: Expert Panel Discusses Key Factors for Olympic Success

10. The Road to Los Angeles: Strategies for Enhancing USA Swimming's Competitive Edge

We’re thrilled for this released talk and want others in the community to give their time to listen.

The USA competitive swimming world and its leadership was rocked at the end of 2024 and the waves are still flowing.

Hear from some of the most respected voices in the sport. This episode is packed with insights from the expert panel discussion at the Eastern States Clinic in eastern PA following the Paris Olympics. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just a fan of the sport, there's something here for everyone!

You'll Learn, beside Carol being a team player:

1. The Importance of Relationships in Coaching: Coach Carol Capitani shares how building strong relationships can lead to achieving great times in the pool.

2. Resource Allocation and Respect: Discover the challenges faced by coaches in the USA and how they compare to their Canadian counterparts in terms of support and resources.

3. The Value of Long Course Racing: Brent Arckey emphasizes the need for more long course racing opportunities to enhance athlete performance.

4. Strategic Planning for Olympic Success: Bob Bowman discusses the importance of long-term planning and how it can lead to sustained success at the Olympics.

5. Innovative Approaches to Swimming Competitions: Learn about creative ways to make swim meets more engaging and watchable, as shared by Carol Capitani and Bob Bowman.

Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know that in Australia, every day at practice, they talk about beating the Americans? Talk about motivation! Mark Schubert shares this intriguing tidbit and more about the competitive spirit Down Under.

Outro: We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed putting it together. It's packed with valuable insights and inspiring stories that will surely motivate you to dive deeper into the world of swimming.

Call to Action: Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Tune in now and let us know your thoughts. Share your favorite moments on social media and tag us. We’d love to hear from you!

Stay tuned for more exciting episodes and updates. If this is the first peek, you might want to go back to #19 and #20, as this, #21, is part three of three.

Until then, keep swimming strong!

P.S. Stay safe and keep an eye out for new services coming soon from ISCA with a new sub-brand at Go.LAP.red.

In this episode of the "Heavy or Not" podcast, we dive into Mindful Swimming with Brian Holliday. Plus, we pick up again on part two of an earth shattering expert panel that gathered after the Paris Olympics to talk about USA Swimming.

As is always the case, both the mental and physical aspects of the sport come into focus. Join us as we explore insightful discussions from top coaches and experts.

• Discover the concept of mindful swimming with Brian Holliday and how it can enhance your swimming experience.
• Learn about the importance of goal setting for young athletes and how it varies with age.
• Understand the impact of motivational time standards and their role in competitive swimming.
• Explore the significance of aerobic development in young swimmers and its long-term benefits.
• Hear from top coaches about the challenges and strategies in training elite swimmers for international competitions.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and improve your swimming journey!

1. **Introduction to the Podcast Episode**
- Jump cut number 20 of the podcast "Heavy or Not"
- Continuation of a clinic discussion from a prior episode
- Mention of the availability of the entire episode and transcripts online

2. **Mindful Swimming by Brian Holliday**
- Benefits of swimming for physical health
- Mental health challenges associated with swimming
- Inner monologue and self-criticism during swimming
- Comparison with other swimmers and personal best obsession
- Solution: Mindful swimming and being present in the moment
- Three key aspects for mindful swimming: balance, whole-body swimming, and controlled breathing

3. **Mental Skills for Young Athletes**
- Mention of a resource by John Hoag, a PhD sports psychologist and swim coach
- Availability in the ISCA Learning Management System
- Encouragement to explore and learn from the resource

4. **Panel Discussion with Coach Brent Arckey**
- Goal setting process for young athletes
- Ownership of goals by athletes
- Discussion on motivational time standards and their impact
- Importance of speed and endurance in swimming
- Strategies for improving performance in races

5. **Discussion on Swimming Standards and Training**
- Historical perspective on time standards and their impact
- Importance of aerobic development in young swimmers
- Challenges in developing middle-distance swimmers
- Role of endurance training in overall performance

6. **Coaching Strategies and Philosophies**
- Importance of being real and providing constructive feedback to athletes
- Role of club coaches in developing endurance and capacity
- Discussion on age group competitions and event offerings
- Debate on the teachability of speed versus endurance

7. **International Swimming Success and Cooperation**
- Success of international swimmers trained by American coaches
- Importance of cooperation among coaches for athlete success
- Challenges faced by Team USA in terms of coach collaboration

8. **Conclusion and Call for Audience Feedback**
- Invitation for audience feedback on the frequency of podcast episodes
- Encouragement for audience interaction and contribution to future episodes.

In this insightful discussion, top swim coaches and sports scientists delve into the evolving landscape of coaching and athlete development. They explore the challenges and opportunities in preparing athletes for peak performance on the world stage.

Their stage was the Eastern States Clinic after the 2024 Olympic Games.

• The importance of explaining coaching philosophies and the science behind them to engage today's intelligent and skeptical athletes.
• Strategies for fostering athlete autonomy and responsibility, and the role of mental health resources in athlete development.
• The significance of endurance training and aerobic development in young athletes for long-term success.
• The impact of collaboration and resource sharing among coaches on international success.
• The role of sports science and biomechanics in enhancing athletic performance and setting new world records.
  
  

The video allows visual clues as to the various speakers. See the entire presentation at the Substack.com/@rauterkus.

Bob Bowman, University of Texas, coach of Leon Maqrchand of France
Tom Himes, NBAC Head Coach and ISCA Hall of Fame
Brent Archey, Sarasota Sharks and Coach of Summer MacIntosh of Canada
Carol Capitani, Univ of Texas Women and USA Olympic Coach
Dr. Zac Hojnacki, sports psych and former coach in Metro LSC
Dr. Genadijus Sokolovas, sport science, formerly with USA Swimming
Mark Schubert, 8-time USA Olympic Coach